Zakri, like Tiene before him, has arrived at Chloorkop from Ivory Coast giants ASEC Mimomas and believes he has joined a winning team ready to meet his personal ambitions.
“If Siaka Tiene played at Sundowns‚ it means it’s a big club‚ and this is a big league,” French-only Zakri said through teammate Bangaly Soumahoro at a press conference on Wednesday.
“That’s why I wanted to follow him‚ to also put my name at this great team.”
Zakri said his ultimate ambition is to win the FIFA Club World Cup after lifting the CAF Champions League, a tournament he is cup-tied from playing in having already featured for ASEC earlier this year.
Nevertheless, the 25-year-old believes his move to the Absa Premiership champions is a great step in his career progression.
“For me‚ South Africa’s league is the biggest in Africa. There are good players here,” he said.
“For me, this was my premier destination‚ before even Europe. I want to play here first‚ play very well‚ and win trophies.”
Zakri could make his debut in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final against Chippa United on Sunday afternoon. He has already received his work permit.